Trump threatens Strait of Hormuz control as Iran blockade persists

Naval families with relatives serving on US warships in the Middle East have expressed outrage at President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for brushing aside reports of severe strain aboard vessels like the USS Abraham Lincoln and USS Tripoli. Relatives described sailors losing 20 to 30 pounds due to inadequate food, enduring poor drinking water and facing limited mental health support during deployments that have stretched for months without relief.

The Lincoln, carrying more than 5,000 sailors and marines, has now been at sea for nearly nine months since its November start. Multiple suicide attempts, including crew members jumping overboard, have been reported. When asked about family concerns, Trump stated that sailors were not worried and that the deployment was not nearly long enough. Hegseth called accounts of the conditions completely misrepresented. One sister of a crew member said the remarks left her wanting to confront the officials directly.

The comments come as the war with Iran, now approaching six months, shows no quick resolution. The United Arab Emirates has accused Iran of attacking two vessels linked to its state oil company in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran, for its part, asserts complete control over the waterway and has signaled it will keep it closed until the United States lifts its naval blockade, ends sanctions, withdraws forces and meets other demands including war reparations.

Trump has responded with escalating rhetoric, including a threat to designate the Strait of Hormuz a US territory once Iran is defeated. Administration officials have also emphasized goals of keeping oil and gas prices low for Americans while preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has warned of unprecedented economic isolation measures against Tehran.

Yet the conflict has already forced the United States to pull its last aircraft carrier from the western Pacific to relieve the Lincoln, leaving the region without a key warship at a time when China is intensifying pressure on allies such as the Philippines in the South China Sea. Analysts note that this shift contradicts earlier administration priorities and leaves partners questioning US commitment amid Beijing's expansionist moves.

Iran appears focused on outlasting the current US leadership, betting that prolonged pressure will force concessions without a full capitulation. US officials have acknowledged that none of the original war aims, such as regime change or the complete elimination of Iran's missile and nuclear capabilities, have been met despite repeated strikes. The administration has avoided ground operations or broader escalation amid concerns over munitions stocks and potential retaliation.

The combination of extended naval deployments, strategic tradeoffs in Asia and unresolved tensions in the Gulf has left families and allies alike voicing frustration over an open-ended campaign whose costs continue to mount.